This invention relates generally to a multi-function apparatus that is especially suited for the prevention of personal electronic device screen damage during vacuum drying of the device. The apparatus utilizes injection molded plastic that incorporates a sealing ring that seals itself onto a display. This sealing under vacuum pressure substantially increases the screen or display stiffness and prevents any deflection caused by sudden re-pressurization of air.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection, as filed with the USPTO.
1. An apparatus to prevent damage of a display screen of an electronic device during a drying operation for removing moisture from the electronic device, the apparatus comprising: a block for placing onto the display screen of the electronic device during the drying operation for removing moisture from the electronic device placed in a chamber such that an evacuation pump connected to the chamber is used to reduce pressure in the chamber, wherein an airspace exists between the block and the display screen of the electronic device; a vacuum check valve comprised in the block; and a vacuum pressure sealing portion comprised in the block and at least partially in contact with the display screen of the electronic device.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein when the evacuation pump is controlled to reduce the pressure in the chamber, air escapes from the airspace between the block and the display screen of the electronic device.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the air escapes from the airspace at least one of via the vacuum check valve or from under the vacuum pressure sealing portion.
4. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the air escapes until a first pressure in the airspace substantially equals a second pressure in the chamber, and wherein the second pressure in the chamber is less than atmospheric pressure.
5. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein when the chamber is vented to atmospheric pressure following an interval of reduced pressure in the chamber, air escapes from the airspace via the vacuum check valve.
6. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein when the chamber is vented to atmospheric pressure following an interval of reduced pressure in the chamber, the apparatus compresses inwards.
7. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the vacuum pressure sealing portion is aligned with the display screen of the electronic device.
8. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the block comprises a stiffener plate.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the vacuum pressure sealing portion is located on an underside of the stiffener plate and is aligned with the display screen of the electronic device.
10. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the block is a monolithic block.
11. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the block is manufactured from plastic.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the plastic comprises injection-molded plastic.
13. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein at least one of the block or the sealing portion has first dimensions substantially similar to second dimensions of the electronic device or third dimensions of the display screen of the electronic device.
14. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein at least one of the block or the sealing portion has first dimensions at least slightly larger than second dimensions of the electronic device or third dimensions of the display screen of the electronic device.
15. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein at least one of the block or the sealing portion at least partially covers the display screen.
16. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the vacuum pressure sealing component comprises a sealing ring.
17. The apparatus of claim 16 , wherein the sealing ring is comprised of at least one of a seal gland channel or an o-ring.
18. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the vacuum check valve is comprised near a center of the block.
19. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the vacuum sealing portion does not contact a button or a speaker located on a face comprising the display screen of the mobile device.
20. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the vacuum check valve is associated with a cracking pressure of at least 0.01 psi.
21. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein when the evacuation pump is controlled to reduce the pressure in the chamber, moist air escapes from at least one of a connection port or an orifice located in the electronic device.
22. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein when the chamber is vented to atmospheric pressure following an interval of reduced pressure in the chamber, the apparatus compresses inwards, thereby preventing the electronic device from substantially compressing inwards.
23. An apparatus to prevent damage of a display screen of an electronic device during a drying operation for removing moisture from the electronic device, the apparatus comprising: a block for placing onto the display screen of the electronic device during the drying operation for removing moisture from the electronic device placed in a chamber such that an evacuation pump connected to the chamber is used to reduce pressure in the chamber, wherein an airspace is present between the block and the display screen of the electronic device; a valve comprised in the block; and a vacuum pressure sealing portion comprised in the block and at least partially in contact with the display screen of the electronic device.
Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.
October 31, 2017
June 30, 2020
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